High or low-rise, the increasing toll of birds dying in North America has resulted in a rapid decline in the bird population. Essentially, birds do not understand the complex nature of windows. Their brain is not wired as humans and fail to recognize the deceptive nature of glass. When windows reflect the sky and a habitat, birds fly into them at full speed, leading to a head-on collision with high chances of fatalities. Even if some birds manage to survive the impact, they will likely die later on due to internal injuries or the shock of the collision. Hence, it is crucial that homeowners, especially those with low-rise residences, be more cautious of their windows attracting birds and creating obstructions in the mirror.
For homes with bird feeders or native plants, it will negate the purpose of serving birds if they ultimately die due to collisions with your windows. Therefore, bird feeders and any attractive plants must be kept three feet away from windows to avoid such accidents. Additionally, people can install safety tools for the birds. Grid patterns on the glass windows with no more than 2 inches of space between the elements will hinder the pristine glass reflection and allow birds to navigate accordingly. Organizations like The American Conservancy and Feather Friendly provide such products for homeowners and ensure the safety of garden birds.
In most cases, an injured bird will not try to get away from a human as they approach. The foremost thing to do is check for signs of injury. If a bird is lying static, has eyes closed or squinting, mouth open, or is panting, it is likely that they are injured and needs professional medical assistance. The bird should be carefully checked by a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Cornell Lab of Ornithology shared a video on how glass kills birds.
Experts Warn Your Bird Feeder Could Be in the Wrong Spot Without You Even Realizing It
Ever Wondered How Migrating Birds Find Their Way Back Home? The Answer Lies in Quantum Physics
